Year End Tradition – Jigsaw Puzzles

I don't know if it's an 'end-of-year' or a 'happy new year' deal, but I have a tradition of putting together a jigsaw puzzle as we close out a year.
My family used to do a puzzle as part of the holiday activities. I have discovered some of my friends also like to test their brains with the sometimes devious little time-suckers.

Through the years of testing out different types and styles of such puzzles, I've settled on a few personal discoveries:

1,000 piece puzzles are the perfect size for a normal card table or dining room table. 500 piece puzzles can be too easy, but if you don't have much time....

Speaking of size, make sure the space you're working on can handle the puzzle when completed. Check the puzzle box and measure. Some of the 'landscape' puzzles are long!

Scenery photos are always fun, but please, not too much clear blue sky!

I will ALWAYS choose a Jan Van Haasteren puzzle over all others. He's an incredible cartoonist that draws for a Dutch company. The puzzles look intimidating, but try one and you'll be hooked.

If you have cats, don't attempt jigsaw puzzles, unless you have a way of securing the puzzle pieces when you're out of the house.

Don't hog the board. Share and help each other.

Experiment with types of lighting. A puzzle can look totally different in sunlight or with different light sources.

If you're curious, try one of the 3-D puzzles. It's a totally different experience, but it's a nice change of pace. It's not for everyone.

I guess putting together a jigsaw puzzle can be a way of 'completing' a year... unless there's a piece or two missing! Dang it!